Every Barrow County student will have access to a free breakfast next year. The Barrow County Board of Education approved the plan at its June 2 meeting.

The topic faced controversy, but was ultimately passed in a 7-2 vote. Connie Wehunt and Lynn Stevens voted against the idea.

The BCSS school food nutrition program is self-sustaining and receives federal reimbursements based on participation rates. As breakfast participation increases, which nutrition director Pam LeFrois anticipates with the new program, federal funding will increase. That would allow BCSS to offer free breakfast to all students at no additional cost to the district.

But Stevens questions whether the meal is “free” since the money is coming from taxpayers. She said that while she doesn’t want to see a child go without a meal, the provision doesn’t address the cause of the problem.

Stevens also questions the message the move sends to families and students about relying on federal programs. Stevens said it’s the parents’ responsibility to provide meals for their children, not the federal governments.

That was echoed by board member Debi Krause, who says the board should look for other entities for funding in the future. Krause also asked that statistical information be presented monthly to the board to track any increase in participation.

The program was implemented at both Bethlehem Elementary School and Apalachee High School this year. Both programs have been received positively, officials said, and BES has seen a 10 percent increase in participation.

Chairman Mark Still stressed that if the program proves detrimental to the district, the BOE can revisit the matter.

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